14
The Sun
farming
Friday March 1, 2013
Saddle swap for a bull farms / vineyards / residential / estates / security / pools / dog runs / roadside / tennis courts As well as fencing repairs / removals / post driving with rock spikes • Supply and Installation • Accredited Fencing Contractor
Story and photos by Annabelle Latz Riding a bucking beast is a rush, and bloody good fun. That is according to Paddy Redwood, who took top honours in the division two steer/bull ride at the Junction Hotel Tua Marina Rodeo and Vintage Machinery Field Day last Sunday. The 24 year-old horse trainer and breaker from Seddon has been dipping his boot into the sport for four seasons now. Despite his clock making eight seconds on Sunday, and not for the first time, Paddy admitted he won’t be making a habit of this type of riding. “I’m not really a successful bull rider, realistically.” The nature of his horse business lends to a natural ability in the rodeo ring. “It’s very similar muscles, coordination, and the balance is quite similar in some respects.” “But you don’t have a saddle, it feels like
If It’s Metal Marlborough’s If It’s MetalLeading We Make It
there is nothing in front of you on a steer or bull. It’s just a big neck.” “When you’re younger, rodeo is great. But I need my body for my work.” The rush of the rodeo ride is not a daily experience Paddy aims for when working with young horses. “It’s completely different. I try not to have any mad rushes with the horses. I want it as uneventful as possible.” Unlike the agenda Paddy has with his horse work, the bull riding he plays more by ear. He simply focuses on one spot between the shoulder blades, and tries to get back to the ‘start’ position after each buck. “I say I’m just going to hang on, I want to be strapped on as tight as possible.” Paddy has never ridden broncs. “But I’ve ridden a few bucking horses,” he said. He loved riding at Tua Marina last weekend, and the non-points rodeo meant he
could have a spin in the open bull class too. “I got smoked. It was all over in two and a half seconds. It was too much bull to be honest.” His horse work is keeping him busy, and he is being well supported by locals who are bringing young stock to his skillful aid. Paddy is looking forward to riding his grey gelding Kitset at Flaxbourne A&P Show on March 24. “It’s great to support your local show,” he said.
Stainless Steel Fabricator We Make It Vinnie Redwood competes in the second division steer/bull ride.
Paddy Redwood shows his skills on his way to winning the second division steer/ bull ride.
Maintain that bird banger Please contact: Crichton Purdie 10 Seafair Close
NEW ZEALAND
10 Seafair Seafair Close, Close Cloudy Park, CloudyBay Bay Business Business Park Cloudy Bay Business Park PO Box 797Blenheim, Zealand Ph: 03 New 577 6310
NEW ZEALAND
Ph: 03 577 6310
Fax: 03 577 SHEETMETAL mob +64 4906300 9833 ph 6300 +64 3 577 6310 Fax: 0327 577 SHEETMETAL Email:e:kerry@crownsheetmetal.co.nz www.crownsheetmetal.co.nz kerry@crownsheetmetal.co.nz faxEmail: +64 3 577 6300 crichton@crownsheetmetal.co.nzwww.crownsheetmetal.co.nz
LEARNER SHEARING COURSE Blenheim 11 – 15 March 2013
Story and photo by Annabelle Latz Conditions are dry, rain is not on the radar, and potential fire balls have just been scattered throughout the district. The bird-bangers have been pulled out into daylight for another harvest. After a few months out of sight, chances are they might need a bit of maintenance. That is the message from deputy principal rural fire officer John Foley. Mark and Leanne Hodges grow chardonnay and sauvignon blanc for Giesen Wine on Rapaura Rd. Most of the year their three bird-bangers are housed in a shipping container, on their property. When harvest season rolls around, their birdbangers are rolled out. Before they are set up, there is a thorough maintenance check. The gas supply lines can get brittle over time, and the chambers are checked for bird nests. Fresh batteries are put in them.
To register or to find out more, please phone Regional Training Manager Norm Harraway on 027 292 4767 or contact – Tectra on 0800 496 657 Tectra is a registered training provider, with the NZQA and manages Modern Apprenticeship Training for the wool industry
Partners in Wool Harvesting Training
We replace rechargeable batteries for; Power Tools, Vinyard Equipment, Survey, Medical and Emergency Lighting etc, etc.
Mark and Leanne Hodges with one of their three bird-bangers.
“We don’t just turn them on and leave them,” said Mark. Each day they are checked; for leaks, or movement of position. Gas consumption is also monitored. The bird-bangers are rotated every two weeks, and Leanne said another important job is to make sure vegetation and grass levels are minimised around the tripod. “It’s just keeping the area clear.” Local rural stockists provide people to service bird-bangers. John Foley said the current very hot and dry conditions means huge fire risk. And when winds pick up again, the risk of fire will be even greater. Monitoring gas pipes, tightness of clamps, stability, and growth of surrounding vegetation is important. “It’s a darn site cheaper than having a fire,” he said.
2013 CanAm Outlander 400 Ex-demo, only 434km
2013 CanAm Commander Power-steering
$11,200
$23,500
inc. GST
inc. GST